Ten Events For a Fireworks-Free Fourth of July

So it’s the Fourth of July. You know this because you’re not at work. And you also know you need something to do today.

Related Content

But here’s the catch: Say you want something to do that doesn’t involve balls of fire in the sky. You want a fireworks-free Fourth, but don’t know where to turn.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of ten fireworks-free events around the Sound, sure to bring a smile to your face without singing your eyebrows or giving into the primal urge to see something explode:

From the Laser Dome hype machine: “Bieber Fever hits the Laser Dome at Pacific Science Center! Some said it couldn’t be done. Others said it SHOULDN’T be done. But we’re doing it anyway. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we invite you to experience one of the biggest pop music icons of the day in a whole new light: Laser Justin Bieber! Our team of world class laser artists are about to take you where no laser show has ever gone before. Love him, hate him, never heard of him? Doesn’t matter! With over 15-thousand watts of digital audio power and the light of a thousand suns, we transform Pacific Science Center’s historic Laser Dome into...The Bieber Dome!

From the Museum of Flight hype machine: Members of Skyway Post 9430 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars honor the Nation’s 232nd birthday with a salute to the American flag—all 27 versions that have officially represented the United States over the years. From the first 13 star flag authorized by Congress in 1777 to today’s 50 star flag, the presentation of each iteration is accompanied with the story of its symbolism in this moving and educational program for all ages.” Runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

From the Heritage Council hype machine: “On Thursday, July 4, 2013, the Ethnic Heritage Council will host the 29th Annual Naturalization Ceremony at Seattle Center, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Over 500 candidates, from more than 80 countries, will be sworn in by The Honorable Richard C. Tallman, U.S. Circuit Court Judge, as new citizens of the United States of America. Produced by the Ethnic Heritage Council, Seattle Center, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, this is by far one of the most meaningful and moving Fourth of July events in the region. While this is an especially important day for the many new citizens, coming from a variety of nations and cultures, it arouses great interest among friends and families as well as from the community at large. The Naturalization Ceremony also serves to reaffirm the deeper meaning of citizenship of the United States of America. The public is encouraged to attend the free event.”

From the Admiral Kids Parade hype machine: “This is the 19th year of the parade! The parade begins at 10:00am at the intersection of 44th& Sunset. The parade is about a half-mile walk through the neighborhood. We cross California Ave SW with the help of the police and end at Hamilton Viewpoint Park. The kids are the parade! We encourage them to decorate strollers, scooters, wagons, and bikes. We will have fun old fashioned games at Hamilton Park (3-legged race, wheelbarrow races, and gunnysack races). Games will be cancelled if there is rain (no rain allowed). The ANA (Admiral Neighorhood Association) will be providing popsicles. Holy Rosary Parish has generously made the parade possible with underwriting our liability insurance and handling our permits. Dave Weitzel of Weitzel Construction is again providing us the very important port a potties.

From the Miles for Meso hype machine: “The Course will take you along the BPA trail and through Celebration Park with breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier. The start and finish is at the Federal Way Community Center 876 S. 333rd ST Federal Way, WA 98003-6343 Price increases on 5/1/13 to $25.00 Final price increase is on 6/26/13 to $35.00. New this year...FREE 1/4 Mile Kids Dash around the FWCC for ages 8 & under.”